For northern homesteaders, the winter months can often bring that fluffy white stuff that you either love or you hate. As for your homestead flock, they probably have a low tolerance for snow. Snow not only brings a new element to caring for your flock during the winter, but it also affects how much time your flock gets to spend outside and where they can roam. Can chickens be in the snow? Is the snow safe for chickens? Do chickens even like the snow? Most of those questions you can answer through personal experience, but I’ll give you a few tips and ideas for keeping your flock happy and healthy during the snowy winter months on the homestead!
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Can chickens be in the snow?
Yes, chickens can be in the snow. The key is making sure your chickens are not forced to go in the snow and that they are not stuck out in the snow for extended periods of time. You will probably notice that some your chickens don’t mind walking through the snow, and others will avoid getting their feet snowy at all costs.
In general, chickens will not spend time walking or standing in the snow if they can help it. They may walk through the snow to get to a grassy spot, a dust bathing spot, or to get at treats, but they won’t go out in it just for fun. Sometimes curious birds will talk a stroll just to see what the fluffy stuff is (and if it tastes good), but eventually they will seek non-snowy ground.
There really is no motivation for chickens to spend a lot of time in the snow. They are not penguins, and foraging opportunities pretty much disappear once a layer of snow covers up the grass. They can’t dust bathe in snow and it makes their feet cold. So… pretty much chickens just tolerate snow.
Since chickens are curious, they may also want to taste the snow. Young birds especially, who have not seen snow before, will be curious about pecking and eating the snow. Snow is fine for chickens to eat and it will help keep them hydrated too! However, don’t rely on snow as your flock’s only water source.
How long can chickens be outside in the winter?
Even though chickens will tolerate the snow, you should know about some of the dangers that snow presents for chickens. With snow often comes cold weather (you can’t have snow without near freezing temperatures). Snow and cold temperatures present exposure risks for chickens.
Even though the snow itself may not be dangerous for chickens, other factors like real feel, wind chill, and precipitation can be dangerous for chickens. The snow will also be cold on a chicken’s feet, which increases the risk for frostbite on a chicken’s toes.
You should always consider the real feel, wind chill factor, and precipitation when giving your flock outside time during the winter, regardless if there is snow on the ground or not. The real feel and wind chill can quickly use up a chicken’s energy reserves for staying warm, which can cause severe cold stress and may eventually become fatal. Precipitation can be dangerous when a chicken gets wet. Wet feathers don’t dry fast and can quickly freeze in cold temperatures. As you can imagine, wet feathers in freezing temperatures can be fatal for a chicken.
How long your chickens can be outside during the winter will depend on their exposure to the elements. In a non-sheltered environment, chickens should not spend more than 2 hours outside in below freezing temperatures. Extended periods of exposure in extreme weather conditions can be fatal for chickens.
Reducing Exposure and Frostbite
If your flock does decide to get out and explore the winter wonderland, you should make sure you take measures to prevent frostbite and reduce the affects of exposure. Whether you are playing with your chickens on a nice winter day or whether they decide that they’re bored of their enclosure and want to get outside, your flock will be affected by winter time exposure.
Here are some ways you can minimize the affects of exposure and prevent frostbite:
- Covered Enclosure– A covered and winterized enclosure is essential for northern homestead flocks. Having space that is outdoors but snow-free will help prevent boredom, bullying, and other bad behaviours that can result from being cooped up during the winter.
- Dry Feet– If one or two of your chickens decides to wander through the snow, gently towel dry their feet when they are done exploring. Drying their feet can help prevent frostbite from the cold snow.
- Straw– Having straw in your flock’s enclosure can help naturally dry their feet and reduce exposure to the cold ground. Instead of standing on cold dirt, your flock can nestle down in flakes of straw.
- Wind Protection– Giving your flock access to sheltered areas or only letting them explore on calm days can reduce exposure from wind chill.
- Natural Supplements– Give your flock natural supplements that stimulate the circulation system to help prevent frostbite. Ground ginger is a good mild herb that helps with circulation.
- Watch the Weather– Allow your flock access to their sheltered enclosure every day, but only give them the option to explore beyond their enclosure on mild winter days.
Sled Ride Tip!
When I was younger I would take my favorite hens for sled rides. I would nestle a hen down in a blanket in my slide and pull the sled through the trails in the woods behind my house. Keeping the hen loosely wrapped in a blanket provided her an extra layer to trap heat next to her body.
However, don’t use chicken sweaters! Chicken sweaters are too tight around a chicken’s body to help her stay warm.
How to Get Your Flock Outside During the Winter
Your flock should still have access to the outdoors during the winter! Fresh air and plenty of space are essential for keeping your flock happy and healthy during the winter months. Since snow often inhibits free-ranging, you will need to find other ways to keep your homestead flock entertained and stimulated during the winter.
Your flock should have the choice to go outside during the winter if they would like. Ideally, they should have access to a covered and sheltered enclosure that is attached to the chicken coop. An outdoor enclosure that has a roof will prevent snow from gathering in the enclosure. Sheltering the sides of the enclosure with wind/precipitation blocks will also help reduce exposure when your flock is in their enclosure.
If there is no snow on the ground, your flock may want to go outside to free-range. Even though foraging will be at a minimum, chickens still enjoy getting outside to stretch their legs and enjoy a change of scenery from their coop and enclosure. If it is snowing, below freezing, or very windy, it is best not to let your flock out to free-range to minimize exposure.
Aside from a covered, sheltered enclosure and occasional free-range times, there are many other ways you can provide a means for your flock to get outside during the winter! Check out these ideas to see if you can implement any for your homestead flock this winter.
Free-Range Alternatives for Chickens
- Shovel Paths– I know, it’s extra work. But your flock will thank you! Even if you shovel just a few narrow paths leading from the coop to different areas of the homestead, those paths will be the first to thaw and provide grassy path for your flock to explore.
- Other Shelters/Buildings– If you have other buildings or shelters on your homestead, consider helping your flock have access to those buildings. Barns, livestock shelters, or even covered car shelters can be fun places for your flock to explore.
- Straw on the Ground– Putting straw in your flock’s covered enclosure is a great way to insulate the ground and provide entertainment. If you have an area that is not covered, consider putting straw on top of the snow to extend where your flock can explore.
- Greenhouse or Hoop House– Giving your flock access to a dirt floor greenhouse or hoop house is an excellent way to provide a sheltered area where your flock can dust bath, forage in the dirt, and stretch their legs.
- Chicken Chunnel– You have the resources on hand, consider building a covered chicken chunnel. A chicken chunnel can help keep paths of green grass available for your flock to enjoy. Covering the chunnel with sturdy contractors plastic is one way of sheltering the chunnel.
Snowbirds…
Even though chickens may not enjoy the snow, they can still tolerate the cold winter wonderland when you provide them with ways to stay busy and warm! If you do let your flock go out and explore the snow, make sure you minimize the chance of frostbitten toes and keep their exposure to the elements minimal. On nice winter days, your flock will enjoy the chance to stretch their legs and get some sunshine. On cold snowy days, make sure your flock has access to an outdoor area that is covered and provides protection from the wind. Your flock will appreciate any measures you take to ensure they have plenty of snow-free space this winter!
Make sure you check out my ebook on Winter Chicken Keeping or this free pioneer resource on Winter Chicken Care for more winter flock care tips!
by Alexa
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